Pretty Little Liars 3.10 What Lies Beneath

For the first time since the early part of this season, it finally feels like the show is starting to pick up the pace, and dive into the one of the year’s biggest questions; what happened to Maya? Last week we were introduced to the personal loss that her death brought about, this week we took a step towards the truth as more information about her final moments was brought to light and the liars' game against A took a creepy turn.

This week the girls really got pro-active in getting behind Noel’s involvement in Maya’s disappearance. The show really shines when it goes full on with its teen detectiving, especially where the Liars are concerned, and I got a kick out of Spencer jock sniffing her way into Noel’s locker. Though he’s an all too animated character, he’s been a great commodity where mystery and shadiness are concerned, so I hope the writers decide to keep him involved.

Elsewhere, Emily and Hannah had one of the creepiest run-ins with this new A. As their clues lead them into the path of danger, I think the show starts to get more exciting. It’s moments like this when it actually feels like they’re getting closer to learning something big. It’s also the second time that this new A has indirectly caused harm to someone. Last time they drugged Emily within an inch of her life, and now Hannah walks away with a nasty wound, ruining her cute pink jeans/jeggings. When there’s harassment against fashion, you know this show isn’t playing any games.

I’ve discussed previously how well Holly Marie Combs lights up her run-of-the-mill single Mom drama. She continues to charm here, and the idea of turning Aria’s age inappropriate romance around by having Ella start one herself is a fun turn of events. They’ve grown a lot closer these past few weeks, and I enjoyed seeing them bond over dating in a way that only a mother and daughter could. There’s great chemistry between Holly and Lucy too, and the show has always capitalised on it.

Though it feels like Ali is fading more into the background, the show’s renewed energy where its twists and revelations are concerned is great to see. With only two episodes left until the show takes its painful 4 month hiatus, I hope there will be more of this fun afoot.

8/10